TitleAn Ordinance to Amend Section 5.18.1 of Chapter 55 (Unified Development Code) of Title V of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor (Front Porch Exception from Front Yard Setback) (Ordinance No. ORD-19-17)MemorandumThe Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) has heard nearly 50 petitions for front porch variances over the past 10 years. Many of these requests have been granted to allow encroachment into the average front setback (currently code prohibits such encroachment).

The proposed amendment would allow unenclosed, covered porches, decks, and platforms to encroach into a required front yard setback by up to eight feet, with additional limitations.

Based on a request from the ZBA, this text amendment was considered and recommended for approval by the Planning Commission on November 20, 2018.StaffPrepared by: Brett Lenart, Planning ManagerReviewed by: Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area AdministratorApproved by: Howard S. Lazarus, City AdministratorBodyORDINANCE NO. ORD-19-17

FRONT PORCH EXCEPTION FROM FRONT YARD SETBACK AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 5.18.1 OF CHAPTER 55 (UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE) OF TITLE V OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ANN ARBOR

The City of Ann Arbor Ordains:

Section 1. That Section 5.18.1 Special Dimensional Standards and Site Layout Standards - Within Yards and Setback Areas of Chapter 55 of Title V of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor be amended to read as follows:

5.18.1 Within Yards and Setback AreasA. GeneralExcept as specifically provided in this chapter, Setback Areas shall be open, unoccupied, and unobstructed by any permanent Structure or any part of a Structure from the ground to the sky.B. Exceptions1. The following types of Structures may be located anywhere on a Lot, including in any Setback Area: a. open and unroofed terraces, patios, stoops and steps, ramps for ...